Romans 16:20 “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.”
If any of you are wanting to cut down on the landscaping around your house, I am your girl. As some of you know I have recently inherited the job of mowing and weedeating around our house. Zero-turn…I am getting there. I can drive anything with a steering wheel, but using an oar type apparatus to steer around the yard is just nuts…I am getting it though. The weedeating though, is a totally different story. I have yet to master that discipline, but hey, I get the weeds down…along with sprinkler heads, flowers, siding, and anything else that doesn’t get out of the way in time! In order for my yard to have flowers and landscaping, it is going to have to be potted in cast iron!
This morning, after my quiet time, I was psyched and ready to partner with the weed-eater. I was weed- eating around a fence between our house and the pasture, when I came upon a snake. I have a miracle to report. I did not pass out, I did not fall down, and I did not run. I am so excited to report to you my first boot-snake encounter. Yes, I stomped on its head with the heel of my boot and then kept going with my weed eating. OK, OK….one disclaimer…the snake was only about 8 inches long, but still…I encountered a snake, and I was successful in killing it, and staying on track with what I was supposed to be doing.
It got me to thinking…that was a physical encounter with a snake, would I and am I as successful when I encounter spiritual snakes. Do I get right up to the point where I see the snake up close, and cower and run, or do I take a stand, and bruise Satan’s head with my heal in the power and authority of Christ and His precious blood. This may not be a “lady-like” story, but ladies, the truth is, we are in a battle. Satan is around us at all times. Sometimes we can not clearly see where he is, and just pray the Lord protect us, but there are times, like the physical story today, when we come across Satan in our path, and need to understand that we do have the strength, power, authority, and right, to crush him under our heels. Where does that power come from? Notice where I was prior to the encounter. In prayer and in the Word itself comes our strength and encouragement in this life. Take the time to soak up the power in the Word, and then rise up and walk “BOLDLY” in Christ throughout the rest of your day.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
National Day of Prayer
Thank you Father for our freedom to have a morning like we had! Thank you to all of you for your prayers for our country, whether you were able to join us or praying from where you were...
God has been so faithful to us. Let's take this National Day of Prayer as a springboard. Re-dedicate yourself to personal daily prayer and the study of God’s Word. Decide to stand for decency in the way we dress, talk, live, the music we listen to, the movies we support, the TV we watch, the sites we visit on the computer, and especially how we treat each other. Quit complaining about our politicians, and pray for them. Get out and vote, and before you do, do your homework and prayer on who it is God has His hand on. Teach our children what is suitable as young Christian men and women, and model it for them in our daily lives. Husbands step up and be the Spiritual leaders of the household in love and leadership both. Wives, recommit to being submissive and serve our families with gladness and joy as Christ uses us to strengthen and mold them. Say NO to divorce, drugs, drinks, “alternate” lifestyles, immorality, homosexuality, and abortion. Do the hard things in life. Keep our minds and thoughts stayed on the things of God. Plug back in at your church. Raise the bar of expectation for ourselves, our brothers and sisters in Christ, our children, and our families. Stop living down to the defeated life Satan wants for you and start claiming the victory that your Savior paid for you to have. Get outside the 4 walls of our homes and our churches, and take the love of Christ to the dying world around us. Don’t just sing, “People Need the Lord”, but be willing to introduce them to Him. Allow Christ to use you as a vessel of His love for those around us, those He desires to be His children for eternity and has placed us in their paths for that reason. Do not settle for Christ being put up on a shelf. Renew your relationship with Him, and then go into your everyday life in His power and presence and allow Him to move and work and have His way in you and through you in all that you say and do.
That is the hope of our families. That is the hope of our churches. That is the hope of our schools and communities, and that is the hope of our nation.
Seek Him above all else. Let God be God, and let us listen to His voice, and speak His Word of Life.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Women Walking Boldly in Christ Conference
Since the Women's Conference last weekend, I have just felt this strange feeling of serenity that there were no words to describe. Here is the only way I know how.
Friday night, we were all exhausted, I had a migraine, it was almost 10pm and I was going back to the conference room to lock it up for the night. When I got there, the outside door was still propped open, the main house lights were off already so it felt peaceful to my pounding head, but the stage lights were on. I sat down on the back row, leaned back against the wall, propped my feet up...unladylike as it may be, and just sat there for a few minutes of quiet and prayer of reflection. As I sat there, the Lord allowed me to hear the most beautiful sound. The sound of women's voices. Coming softly in from all over the conference center. Some were just talking, some laughing in joy, some in prayer, some lifting up songs of worship and praise. I can not tell you what a beautiful sound it was. Just for an instant I realized that it must be just a tiny speck of the beauty God hears from us as we gather in worship, prayer, and joy in His presence. It was incredible. At that moment, the love He poured into me for those ladies was overwhelming. How much more love was He desirous of pouring out on us...and DID!
All I know is this...God was pleased that we had been obedient to His call. He was overjoyed at what He heard. He needs and desires for us to keep on loving these ladies. In all the group and individual efforts that went into this conference, He was pleased. In all the ways we got out of our comfort zones and allowed Him to use us, He was pleased. In all the ways we loved on each other instead of allowing the "tooth marks" to distract and divide us, He was pleased. "We" did not put on a perfect conference, but the Lord directed the one of His choosing, and we were faithful to follow after Him as closely and obediently as we could. That is the conference I will remember. That is how we are to judge the success of our labor... did we do as God directed? Were we faithful to our Lord? Did we honor Him and bring glory to His name? ...I believe the answer is absolutely YES.
I can never explain my gratitude for His allowing me to be a part of such an amazing assembly of walk-walking BOLD Christian women.
I love you all, but He Loves you so much more! We serve a faithful Savior. Glory to His Name!
Hebrews 4:16..."Let us therefore come before the throne of grace with BOLDNESS, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Friday night, we were all exhausted, I had a migraine, it was almost 10pm and I was going back to the conference room to lock it up for the night. When I got there, the outside door was still propped open, the main house lights were off already so it felt peaceful to my pounding head, but the stage lights were on. I sat down on the back row, leaned back against the wall, propped my feet up...unladylike as it may be, and just sat there for a few minutes of quiet and prayer of reflection. As I sat there, the Lord allowed me to hear the most beautiful sound. The sound of women's voices. Coming softly in from all over the conference center. Some were just talking, some laughing in joy, some in prayer, some lifting up songs of worship and praise. I can not tell you what a beautiful sound it was. Just for an instant I realized that it must be just a tiny speck of the beauty God hears from us as we gather in worship, prayer, and joy in His presence. It was incredible. At that moment, the love He poured into me for those ladies was overwhelming. How much more love was He desirous of pouring out on us...and DID!
All I know is this...God was pleased that we had been obedient to His call. He was overjoyed at what He heard. He needs and desires for us to keep on loving these ladies. In all the group and individual efforts that went into this conference, He was pleased. In all the ways we got out of our comfort zones and allowed Him to use us, He was pleased. In all the ways we loved on each other instead of allowing the "tooth marks" to distract and divide us, He was pleased. "We" did not put on a perfect conference, but the Lord directed the one of His choosing, and we were faithful to follow after Him as closely and obediently as we could. That is the conference I will remember. That is how we are to judge the success of our labor... did we do as God directed? Were we faithful to our Lord? Did we honor Him and bring glory to His name? ...I believe the answer is absolutely YES.
I can never explain my gratitude for His allowing me to be a part of such an amazing assembly of walk-walking BOLD Christian women.
I love you all, but He Loves you so much more! We serve a faithful Savior. Glory to His Name!
Hebrews 4:16..."Let us therefore come before the throne of grace with BOLDNESS, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Breath of God
Romans 1:12 "that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me."
How true this is.
If you have ever received bad news… you know… the kind that takes your breath away. Not the kind that completely devastates you, but rather just takes a few minutes to get your conscious mind around it. In my case, today, it is an event that is on one hand an answer to prayer, so I do not want to go to God ungrateful, and on the other hand, NOT the way I had wanted Him to answer. I am not quite sure how to handle it; how to manage my way through the season ahead; how to handle it with grace, bringing honor to our Lord, while my heart breaks at the same time. How do I give Him the glory He so richly deserves… and yet question why this is how He would answer our prayers.
How do we do it? We can do it because in those times in life, when our breath is not readily available, our Lord breathes for us. He breathes into us through His Word. He breathes into us through His grace. He breathes into us through our faith. He breathes into us through His love, and sometimes, He makes His love manifest to us through those around us.
My Godly, gracious, caring, sisters, who are filled with the Spirit, consumed by the Word, and acting under the Holy guidance of Christ. Sharing what God has done in their lives. Calling because God led them to. Sending emails that pricked their hearts and so they were compelled to share them with others. In all these ways, God helps those who have momentarily gasped for breath to breathe easy as His presence is found when they cry out to Him. Found, “as iron sharpens iron” and our faith encourages each other to stand firm in the faith of Jesus Christ, His love, His goodness, and His perfect Will.
Thank you for allowing God to breathe for me through you.
Connie
How true this is.
If you have ever received bad news… you know… the kind that takes your breath away. Not the kind that completely devastates you, but rather just takes a few minutes to get your conscious mind around it. In my case, today, it is an event that is on one hand an answer to prayer, so I do not want to go to God ungrateful, and on the other hand, NOT the way I had wanted Him to answer. I am not quite sure how to handle it; how to manage my way through the season ahead; how to handle it with grace, bringing honor to our Lord, while my heart breaks at the same time. How do I give Him the glory He so richly deserves… and yet question why this is how He would answer our prayers.
How do we do it? We can do it because in those times in life, when our breath is not readily available, our Lord breathes for us. He breathes into us through His Word. He breathes into us through His grace. He breathes into us through our faith. He breathes into us through His love, and sometimes, He makes His love manifest to us through those around us.
My Godly, gracious, caring, sisters, who are filled with the Spirit, consumed by the Word, and acting under the Holy guidance of Christ. Sharing what God has done in their lives. Calling because God led them to. Sending emails that pricked their hearts and so they were compelled to share them with others. In all these ways, God helps those who have momentarily gasped for breath to breathe easy as His presence is found when they cry out to Him. Found, “as iron sharpens iron” and our faith encourages each other to stand firm in the faith of Jesus Christ, His love, His goodness, and His perfect Will.
Thank you for allowing God to breathe for me through you.
Connie
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday Morning Sermon on the Computer - Dorothy Hammer
In reading God’s word this morning, I was reminded of how sometimes what we say can destroy our entire witness. In Galatians 1:10, Paul asks, “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God”. As I continued to search and read, Paul’s words again popped out, “God does not judge by external appearance”. God looks at our hearts and our motives. Galatians is an excellent book to prepare us for our journey ahead. I encourage each of you and pray for you and myself that we guard our mouths remembering that sometimes what we mean to be cute or funny can hurt someone else deeply. I am so guilty of having a flippant attitude rather than taking seriously what someone else might be saying. What I regard as nothing may really be something to someone else. We need to be very sensitive to the questions posed by others. In the days ahead, we will become tense, irritable, anxious, impatient, frightened and other ungodly feelings. Ephesians 4:29-5:1-21 should be read often to remind us how to live.
4:29 You must let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for the building up of the one in need, 1 that it may give grace to those who hear. 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 4:31 You must put away every kind of bitterness, anger, wrath, quarreling, and evil, slanderous talk. 4:32 Instead, 2 be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you. 3
Therefore, be 1 imitators of God as dearly loved children 5:2 and live 2 in love, just as Christ also loved us 3 and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering 4 to God. 5:3 But 5 among you there must not be either sexual immorality, impurity of any kind, 6 or greed, as these are not fitting for the saints. 7 5:4 Neither should there be vulgar speech, foolish talk, or coarse jesting – all of which are out of character – but rather thanksgiving. 5:5 For you can be confident of this one thing: 8 that no person who is immoral, impure, or greedy (such a person is an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
Live in the Light
5:6 Let nobody deceive you with empty words, for because of these things God’s wrath comes on the sons of disobedience. 9 5:7 Therefore do not be partakers with them, 10 5:8 for you were at one time darkness, but now you are 11 light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light – 5:9 for the fruit of the light 12 consists in 13 all goodness, righteousness, and truth – 5:10 trying to learn 14 what is pleasing to the Lord. 5:11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather 15 expose them. 16 5:12 For the things they do 17 in secret are shameful even to mention. 5:13 But all things being exposed by the light are made evident. 5:14 For everything made evident is light, and for this reason it says: 18 “Awake, 19 O sleeper! 20 Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you!”
5:15 Therefore be very careful how you live – not as unwise but as wise, 5:16 taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 5:17 For this reason do not be foolish, but be wise 22 by understanding 23 what the Lord’s will is. 5:18 And do not get drunk with wine, which 24 is debauchery, 25 but be filled by the Spirit, 26 5:19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music 27 in 28 your hearts to the Lord, 5:20 always giving thanks to God the Father for each other 29 in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5:21 and submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. 30
Let us not be guilty of disregarding one another’s feelings as well as those we will be coming in contact with in the coming weeks. Let us not be guilty, also, of reminding others or bragging to others about our good works. We are not to be boastful. Often times we do a good deed and then ruin the testimony of our good behavior by telling others and complaining because some other did not join with us in doing good. We are not to judge others in this way. Each person has their own gift or gifts and we are to act accordingly while helping others in whatever way they may need us with eagerness. We should never bring notice to ourselves but remain humble in all that we do. We are not to judge others motives as to what they may or may not do.
I urge you in the coming days to read Galatians and Ephesians through in your morning devotional time. I desire to pray and read over this so that I can be better prepared for April 16 and 17.
4:29 You must let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for the building up of the one in need, 1 that it may give grace to those who hear. 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 4:31 You must put away every kind of bitterness, anger, wrath, quarreling, and evil, slanderous talk. 4:32 Instead, 2 be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you. 3
Therefore, be 1 imitators of God as dearly loved children 5:2 and live 2 in love, just as Christ also loved us 3 and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering 4 to God. 5:3 But 5 among you there must not be either sexual immorality, impurity of any kind, 6 or greed, as these are not fitting for the saints. 7 5:4 Neither should there be vulgar speech, foolish talk, or coarse jesting – all of which are out of character – but rather thanksgiving. 5:5 For you can be confident of this one thing: 8 that no person who is immoral, impure, or greedy (such a person is an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
Live in the Light
5:6 Let nobody deceive you with empty words, for because of these things God’s wrath comes on the sons of disobedience. 9 5:7 Therefore do not be partakers with them, 10 5:8 for you were at one time darkness, but now you are 11 light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light – 5:9 for the fruit of the light 12 consists in 13 all goodness, righteousness, and truth – 5:10 trying to learn 14 what is pleasing to the Lord. 5:11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather 15 expose them. 16 5:12 For the things they do 17 in secret are shameful even to mention. 5:13 But all things being exposed by the light are made evident. 5:14 For everything made evident is light, and for this reason it says: 18 “Awake, 19 O sleeper! 20 Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you!”
5:15 Therefore be very careful how you live – not as unwise but as wise, 5:16 taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 5:17 For this reason do not be foolish, but be wise 22 by understanding 23 what the Lord’s will is. 5:18 And do not get drunk with wine, which 24 is debauchery, 25 but be filled by the Spirit, 26 5:19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music 27 in 28 your hearts to the Lord, 5:20 always giving thanks to God the Father for each other 29 in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5:21 and submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. 30
Let us not be guilty of disregarding one another’s feelings as well as those we will be coming in contact with in the coming weeks. Let us not be guilty, also, of reminding others or bragging to others about our good works. We are not to be boastful. Often times we do a good deed and then ruin the testimony of our good behavior by telling others and complaining because some other did not join with us in doing good. We are not to judge others in this way. Each person has their own gift or gifts and we are to act accordingly while helping others in whatever way they may need us with eagerness. We should never bring notice to ourselves but remain humble in all that we do. We are not to judge others motives as to what they may or may not do.
I urge you in the coming days to read Galatians and Ephesians through in your morning devotional time. I desire to pray and read over this so that I can be better prepared for April 16 and 17.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
A Time for New Life
Acts 17:27-29 (New International Version) God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.' "Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man's design and skill.
Grass is peeking up, trees budding, flowers blooming, and baby animals being born. Our barest human senses are reminding us that we are born desirous of birth and new life. It is an innate part of us to be inspired by these things.
However, birth and spiritual rebirth are only made possible by the Creator Himself, and are gifts to us from His Son, Jesus Christ. They were purchased by Him on the Cross, and gift wrapped for us individually at His resurrection. He gift wrapped our ability to be reborn and truly understand new life when He rose again on that third day.
What we fail to acknowledge, is that He knew the price all along. He did not just endure the agony of the cross for a few hours. He counted the cost for every healing, every act of mercy, every Word spoken in love, and every act of forgiveness. All of these gifts would be paid for on the cross to come. He loved us and counted us worthy of the price of the gift …and the awe inspiring gift wrap. His work, completed, in power and majesty for the love of you and I. And the gift continues today.
Bunnies, eggs, baskets and bonnets are cheap substitutions for the gifts we truly need to celebrate. Go to Him, not to buy a new dress, but to receive new life. Spend time worshipping the One who died for you, not something you dyed. Let’s celebrate The Resurrection, and hunt for Christ to deliver His gift of eternal life wrapped in the bow of His risen glory. Let Christ Resurrect your life.
No other has the power. No other has paid the price. No other has defeated the grave.
Acts 2:21: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
He loves you. Will you seek Him?
Grass is peeking up, trees budding, flowers blooming, and baby animals being born. Our barest human senses are reminding us that we are born desirous of birth and new life. It is an innate part of us to be inspired by these things.
However, birth and spiritual rebirth are only made possible by the Creator Himself, and are gifts to us from His Son, Jesus Christ. They were purchased by Him on the Cross, and gift wrapped for us individually at His resurrection. He gift wrapped our ability to be reborn and truly understand new life when He rose again on that third day.
What we fail to acknowledge, is that He knew the price all along. He did not just endure the agony of the cross for a few hours. He counted the cost for every healing, every act of mercy, every Word spoken in love, and every act of forgiveness. All of these gifts would be paid for on the cross to come. He loved us and counted us worthy of the price of the gift …and the awe inspiring gift wrap. His work, completed, in power and majesty for the love of you and I. And the gift continues today.
Bunnies, eggs, baskets and bonnets are cheap substitutions for the gifts we truly need to celebrate. Go to Him, not to buy a new dress, but to receive new life. Spend time worshipping the One who died for you, not something you dyed. Let’s celebrate The Resurrection, and hunt for Christ to deliver His gift of eternal life wrapped in the bow of His risen glory. Let Christ Resurrect your life.
No other has the power. No other has paid the price. No other has defeated the grave.
Acts 2:21: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
He loves you. Will you seek Him?
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